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Whether you like it or not, the best modeling amps are here to stay. In the past few years, modeling amps have outsold tube amps by a country mile, and as the technology improves, they've gotten closer and closer to the classic sounds of the vintage tube amps that paved the way for these marvels of modern technology.
A modeling amp uses DSP technology to mimic the sound of classic tube amps and effects pedals, giving you much more flexiblity that a traditional amp and pedalboard setup. They're much lighter than tube amps, don't require any maintenance, and often have additional features like USB and headphone outputs, which make them incredibly versatile for a variety of use cases.
If you want the very best modeling amp around right now, it doesn't come much better than the Boss Katana 50 Gen 3. The Katana series has been one of my favorites for a long time, thanks to traditional amp style workflow, excellent selection of amp tones, and a comprehensive collection of Boss' studio quality effects built in. If that's a little too pricey for you, check out the Fender Mustang LT25, which is available for less than $200.
If you're here looking for your first modeling amp, I've got twenty-plus years of experience using them, so you can lean on my knowledge to make sure you make the right choice. Have a look at my how to choose section for all you need to know before making a purchase, check my thorough FAQs section for answers to all the most common questions, and if you're feeling stuck with some of the technical terms here, the glossary of key terms will break them down for you.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want the best all-rounder modeling amp: With plenty of power, a huge array of effects, and top-quality amp models, there's a reason the Boss Katana is one of the best-selling modeling amps of all time.
❌ Avoid if you're short on space: This isn't the smallest amp out there, so will take up a bit more room than some of the others on this list.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Usability rating: ★★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Overview
In recent years, the Boss Katana has proven itself to be one of the most popular non-tube amps on the market. The MkII Katana wasn’t broken but Boss has seen fit to give it an evolutionary upgrade to make it even better.
Usability
What many players love about this guitar amp is how easy it is to use – all the controls are right there in front of you and, to be honest, it’s hard to dial in a bad sound! There is a 100 Watt model if you're looking to gig with your amp and really pump up the sound, but for most players, the 50 Watt version should cover the vast majority of needs..
Sounds
The Boss Katana Gen 3 now offers guitarists six different flavors of amp style with two variations on each – so, 12 in total. These cover everything from mellow and sparkly cleans, through classic rock crunch, all the way up to metal-style saturation. The Katana also provides a range of Boss' highly rated effects, with 60 different stompboxes available via the Tone Studio app.
"While I was a fan of the previous iterations, it’s immediately obvious that Boss has gone to great lengths to improve the overall sound quality of the Katana MKIII, resulting in an amplifier that sounds more alive with sweetened highs, richer harmonics in the mid-range, and a tighter, more defined low-end."
Read more: Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 review
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want value-for-money: Costing below the $200 mark, the Fender Mustang LT25 delivers plenty of bang for your hard-earned bucks with a huge array of amp and effects models.
❌ Avoid if you like low-end: With an 8-inch speaker, the LT25 is naturally a little limited when it comes to the reproduction of bass frequencies.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Usability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Overview
Throughout its decades of building amps, Fender has learned a few things – and the Mustang LT25 puts a lot of that expertise into one relatively compact yet punchy amp. The Fender Mustang LT25 is a great modeling amp, particularly for beginners – though it will suit a broad range of electric guitar players.
Usability
Straight out of the box, you can scroll through some really well-designed presets that cover all styles of music. A quick adjustment with the control knobs will enable you to customize the preset you’re on. Like many modern modeling amps, you can also hook the amp up to your Mac or PC to delve even deeper into your tone settings.
Sounds
All of the classic Fender amps are present and accounted for which makes it great if you're a fan of the brand. Amps like the Twin Reverb, Deluxe Reverb, Bassman, and many others are all featured here and are very accurately modeled. It gives you a great selection of sounds to work with, but it's not just a one-trick pony.
There are also some great higher-gain models like the EVH amps, and classic Marshall and Orange emulations if you prefer the sound of a metal amp. The suite of effects is phenomenal too, delivering a raft of excellent quality delays, reverbs, and modulation sounds that allow you to cover pretty much any style.
"Call me a luddite, but I think the Mustang LT25 is pitching itself perfectly. I enjoyed the un-fussy simplicity and interesting sounds, and most importantly, it made me want to keep playing! This part of the market features some strong competition, but the ‘Stang has proved itself once more."
Read more: Fender Mustang LT25 review
Best for gigging
✅ Buy if you want enough power to gig: Delivering 100 watts of power, the Catalyst CX100 has plenty of power on tap for playing gigs, and will keep up with a heavy-handed drummer.
❌ Avoid if you want to use Bluetooth: If you like to tweak your tones via a phone app then you'll want to look elsewhere as the Bluetooth connectivity doesn't allow you to do this.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Usability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Overview
Line 6 is one of the OGs of guitar amp modeling, and its Helix lineup of floor-based units remains class-leading. The Catalyst CX 100 brings the company’s latest and greatest amp models to a 100-watt 1x12 combo.
Usability
In a similar vein to the Boss Katana, there are a lot of physical controls on the Catalyst CX100, which makes it great if you like to get hands-on without resorting to using a laptop or app on your phone. It's super simple to dial in tones, and with 12 preset options, you've got plenty of choice for gigging.
Sounds
The 12 onboard amp voices cover everything from classic cleans to boutique crunch and modern high-gain tones, while there are 24 Helix-derived effects spanning reverb, delay, modulation, and pitch effects. You also get an onboard boost, plus USB, XLR, and MIDI connectivity for recording and live performance.
Crucially, the Catalyst CX delivers tonally, with an authentic tube-like dynamic response at any volume, while the XLR output ensures crystal-clear speaker-emulated tones for easy recording and PA use. With a wealth of features, easy operation, and a keen price tag, it’s a no-brainer for gigging guitarists.
"While Line 6’s Catalyst is familiar and straightforward to operate, there’s just enough under the hood to satisfy those who like to tweak things. Consequently, it’s great fun to use, despite a few relatively minor niggles, which could easily be corrected via future firmware upgrades. "
Read more: Line 6 Catalyst 100 review
Best practice
✅ Buy if you want a compact practice solution: If you want modeled amp tones that don't take up too much space, the Spark 2 is small enough to fit on a desktop or reasonably sized shelving unit.
❌ Avoid if you don't like using a smartphone: This amp relies on its smartphone app to get the most out of it, so look elsewhere if you prefer a more physical interaction with your amp.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Usability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★½
Overview
With the release of the Spark 2, Positive Grid has taken arguably one of the most popular practice amps of all time and improved on it massively. It's more evolution than revolution, of course, but for my money it's better in pretty much every way.
Usability
It's finally got the most requested feature in the form of a looper. It comes in two modes: a groove looper that's based on a set tempo, and a traditional free looper where you dictate the tempo changes. Using the latter is pretty much impossible without the addition of a footswitch, but the groove looper works surprisingly well with just you and your smartphone.
Sounds
The sound has seen a huge improvement too, with the power rating upping from 40 to 50 watts, and newly designed speakers that are angled slightly outwards. It delivers a far more three-dimensional tone than the Spark 40, especially noticeable when using stereo delays and reverbs.
Overall, it sounds simply incredible, and there were many grin-inducing moments for me during my testing where I found it hard to believe it wasn't a 'proper' amplifier. If you're practicing at home and want the best tones in a relatively compact package, the Spark 2 is the best choice.
"The original Spark is the definition of a modern classic amplifier, and Spark 2 is the perfect sequel. Adding more of everything in the best possible way, Positive Grid has knocked it out of the park when it comes to the latest iteration of their Spark amp. It is more evolution than revolution, but they’ve delivered everything guitarists have been asking for and more. It’s simply superb."
Read more: Positive Grid Spark 2 review
Best for simplicity
✅ Buy if you want the ultimate recording amp: The original is arguably the most recorded amp of all time, and with this Tone Master version you can have those same iconic tones without the ear-splitting volume.
❌ Avoid if you want versatility: The schtick of the Tone Master amps is a single great sound, so look elsewhere if you want a variety of amp and effects models.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Usability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Overview
Whilst the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb doesn’t have the same kind of versatility as others on this list, what it does do, it does incredibly well. So much so that it’s hard not to view it as one of the best modeling amps out there.
Usability
The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is the most expensive amp on this list, but it’s still cheaper than the all-tube version. It’s also nearly half the weight. In addition, there are modern-day benefits such as a line output with level control, a three-option cab-sim, and a six-way power attenuation switch for playing at a variety of volumes.
Sounds
Instead of modeling a bunch of amps, as the name suggests, this models the sound and feel of a Fender Deluxe Reverb combo, and, unless you’re comparing them side by side, it’s not easy to tell the difference. It delivers the same chime and sparkle as the original, with a lush, full-bodied tone and incredible dynamics. Even the control panel is identical, so you’ll have the incredible-sounding tremolo and reverb as well.
"This amp ably demonstrates how today’s digital technology can reproduce the complexities of a valve amplifier, to the point where smaller differences become increasingly less significant. If you critically compared a well-restored original Twin Reverb in a studio, you may hear a difference, but in a live band mix I’d challenge anyone to identify the Tone Master Twin Reverb from the real deal."
Read more: Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb review
Best for gigging
✅ Buy if you want the best modeling head: Great for gigging or home use, the Katana Head is a great option if you want a versatile modeling amp that can cover a range of roles.
❌ Avoid if you don't own a guitar cabinet: To get the best out of this you'll need a separate guitar cabinet, so if you don't already own one you might be better off with a combo amp.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Usability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Overview
The Boss Katana Head Gen 3 builds on the legacy of one of the most popular amp series out there. This 100-watt head packs six amp voicings, each with a boosted variation, covering everything from lush cleans to searing high gain and plenty in between.
Usability
With USB recording, MIDI support and stereo expand mode, this amp head is as comfortable in the studio as it is on stage. Whether you are gigging, recording or practicing at home, the Katana Head Gen 3 delivers a serious tone without breaking the bank in a truly versatile package.
Sounds
Thanks to Boss’s Tube Logic tech, the Katana doesn’t just sound great – it feels great, reacting to your playing like a tube amp would. Five onboard effects categories mean you can ditch the pedalboard, and with deep editing via Boss Tone Studio, you can tweak your tone to perfection. For practicing at home, the built-in 5" speaker has you covered, while the power control lets you crank the amp without shaking the walls.
"The Boss Katana Head Gen 3 is a masterclass in versatility, seamlessly bridging the gap between practice and performance. Its internal 5-inch speaker is ideal for home use, while the ability to connect to a cabinet unleashes arena-filling power. The amp offers a rich array of tones and iconic Boss effects, enhanced by the user-friendly Tone Studio, now compatible with smartphones."
Read more: Boss Katana Head Gen 3 review
Spec comparison
If you're struggling to decide which amp in this guide is right for you, I've collated the key specs in order to give you an easy to read, side-by-side comparison.
Model | Amps | Effects | Power | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 | 12 | 60 | 50W | 1x12" |
Fender Mustang LT50 | 20 | 25 | 50W | 1x12" |
Line 6 Catalyst CX 100 | 12 | 24 | 100W | 1x12" |
Positive Grid Spark 2 | 33 | 43 | 50W | 2x4" |
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb | 1 | 2 | 100W | 1x12" |
Boss Katana Head Gen 3 | 12 | 15 | 100W | 1x15" |
Also consider
For me, the six amps above are the ones you should be looking to spend your hard earned cash on. That said, I appreciate they might not suit every player's needs, so here are some other modeling amps for your consideration.
How to choose
If you're here looking to buy your first modeling amp, we've got decades of experience using and abusing them. There's a lot of choice when it comes to modeling amps nowadays, so if you're struggling to decide, here's what you need to look out for.
1. Your style
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Firstly, think about what sort of music you play. If it’s a really eclectic mix, then you’ll want something that can cover a lot of ground. The more options, the better, so keep an eye on the number of amps/cabs, as well as what your options are with EQ. If the opposite applies, you may want something simpler that just has a few amp models you can build upon.
2. Effects choice
A number of modeling amps also have effects built in, including phasers, flangers, delays, reverbs, octaves, overdrives, and boosts. If this is something you’d be interested in exploring, then look for an amp with a decent effects section. However, if you’re more of a bread-and-butter kind of player, you might not need such malarkey.
Some of the best modeling amps have presets built in, too, and others are more traditional in their layout. Preset sounds can be really fun to play with, and really inspiring. They can present you with combinations of amp styles and effects that you might never have put together.
3. Size & power
Size and power are worth considering, too. Your desktop amp with 3.5” speakers might work great for your workspace at home, but it’s not going to cut it on stage. If you’re buying an amp with the aim of playing alongside a band, then ideally you’ll want something with a 10” speaker or bigger, and you’ll want to be looking at a minimum of around 50W. If your budget allows for a higher wattage, then you’ll have more volume on tap should you need it at a rehearsal or gig.
4. Additional features
Many of the best modeling amps come fitted with an array of features to help make life as a guitarist that bit easier. Line outputs with cabinet simulation allow you to plug directly into a PA system or recording setup with the addition of what an actual speaker would bring to the sound. Most will have a headphone output for silent practice, and some might also have a USB output that can be used to update the amp’s firmware or record directly onto your computer. Think about what features you’d like, and look for an amp that has them all.
FAQs
What's the difference between a modeling amp and an amp modeler?
A modeling amp is an amp that has a variety of different tones within it. Amps such as the Boss Katana and Yamaha THR series come under this category, and while they can recreate a load of different sounds, they don't necessarily recreate the tones of loads of different amps.
Units such as the Line 6 Helix or Neural DSP Quad Cortex come under the 'amp modeler' category, as they're designed to recreate and replicate the sound of any amp under the sun. They don't really have a core tone, and usually contain more digital architecture than the Katana or THR amps, which are designed around a more 'traditional' amp chassis.
Do modeling amps feel like a real tube amp?
For the most part, yes they do. There are some subtle differences of course, but modelling is really accurate nowadays and able to model tube amps on a component level. Older modeling amps lack this feel, often being a bit sterile, but all of the amps in this guide offer a feel that's very close to the real thing.
Is a 50-watt modeling amp loud enough to play with a drummer?
As digital watts don't deliver the same amount of volume as tube amp, 50 watts on a modeling amp is nowhere near the same amount of power offered by a tube amp. For most players 50-watts should be enough, unless you've got a very heavy handed drummer with a bell brass snare and a huge kick drum. I would advise moving up to 100 Watts if possible, as this will be plenty of power for gigging and rehearsals.
Do I need an effects loop?
It all depends on your setup. If you're running lots of pedals into your modeling amp, then an effects loop can be a powerful tool to put your modulation and time-based effects and get them sounding cleaner. If you're just planning on using the onboard effects, then a loop isn't a necessity.
Do I have to use a smartphone app with a modeling amp?
It depends on the amp really. Some, like the Positive Grid amps, are heavily centered around a companion app. Others, like the Boss Katana work more like normal guitar amps, but they do have an app for deeper editing. With most modeling amps you should expect some level of computer or phone use when dealing with them.
Should I go for a modeling amp or laptop with plugins?
If you're playing or recording exclusively at home, then the latter will suffice. If you want to get out and play with other musicians, then go for the amp. Also you should factor in with the laptop and interface setup that you'll need a good pair of guitar amp headphones and a good quality guitar audio interface in order to make it sound it's best. You may also want to invest in a pair of studio monitors, which aren't cheap.
Can I use a modeling amp at home?
Absolutely. Modeling amps are perfect for home use because you get that emulated tube tone at much lower volumes. Most modeling amps also have headphone output so you can practice at anytime without disturbing others in your household.
Key terms
Unsure on what some the lingo in this guide means or need to brush up on your modeling amp knowledge? In this section I've cultivated all the technical terms you're most likely to encounter when dealing with modeling amps and explained each in a way that's easy to understand.
- Amp modeler: It might sound the same as what we're dealing with here, but an amp modeler is typically a floor-based unit that simulates amp and effects tones.
- Cabinet simulation: A recreation of a guitar cabinet and a microphone used to capture it, which gives you an accurate sound of an amp. Often used for headphone and recording outputs.
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP): This typically refers to the processor chip that runs the algorithms used to recreate the sound of a guitar amplifier and effects.
- Direct out: A Direct output is a connection on the amplifier that allows you to plug directly into an audio interface or a PA system.
- Dynamic response: This refers to how a modeling amp reacts to your playing. With a tube amp, you'd expect that it will clean up when you play softer or roll back your guitar's volume knob, and vice versa.
- Effects loop (FX loop): Contains the send and return jacks that allow you to insert effects pedals after the amplifier's preamp section, which means they don't get distorted by the amplifier.
- Full Range Flat Response (FRFR): A type of speaker that outputs a natural, uncolored tone. FRFR speakers act as a blank canvas for the cabinet simulation of a modeling amp.
- Impulse Response (IR): A digital snapshot of a guitar cabinet in a room with a microphone on it. They can make a modeled guitar amp sound a lot more realistic.
- Latency: The delay between the moment you hit the string and the sound comes out of the speaker or headphones.
- Power amp: The section of a guitar amp that boosts the signal from the preamp so that it can power the speaker.
- Preamp: The section of a guitar amp that takes the signal from your guitar and shapes the tone before moving it on to the power amp.
- Profiling: A method of capturing the tone of a guitar amp by sending a signal through it and using a microphone to capture it.
How we test
We've tested a shedload of modeling amps here at Guitar World, and I don't think there's a single writer here who doesn't have a modeling amp or two in their collection. Our regular testing and real world experience of modeling amps is what informs our buying guides, so you know that all of our suggestions come from actual experience and not forum hype.
When testing a modeling amp, it'll undergo the exact same process as a tube or solid state amp, starting off with assessing the build quality. Here, we'll inspect every inch of the amp in detail to ensure that it's well put together. Where possible we'll take the grille off to examine the speaker, as well as remove any backplates to assess the internals of the amplifier.
Next up, we'll test the overall usability of the amplifier. Starting without the manual, we'll look at how easy it is to get the amp up and running with usable tones. We'll try out all the knobs and buttons and do our best to coax great sounds out of them before diving into the manual to look at the advanced features.
With a good overview of the features in mind, we'll then look at the sound of the amp. Here, our previous experience with amps becomes very important, as with modeling amps we'll likely be comparing them to the real-world tube amps they're based upon. We're looking for an accurate response, rich harmonic saturation, and nothing in the way of digital harshness.
We'll also look at the built-in effects if it has any, comparing them to our experience of actual pedals and seeing how they hold up. We want to hear that same richness and have that same flexibility you get with actual effects, whether that's dialing them in on the amp itself or using additional software.
We'll always aim to test over a period of at least two weeks, using them at home, taking them to rehearsal, and even gigging them to be sure they're appropriate for our guides. This intensive testing allows us to get over the honeymoon period of getting a new product, testing as any guitarist would.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
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Meet the experts
After spending a decade in music retail, Richard is now a freelance writer for MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar World and Reverb, specialising in electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and almost anything else you can make a tune with. When his head’s not buried in the best of modern and vintage gear, Richard runs a small company helping musicians with songwriting, production and performance, and plays bass in an alt-rock band. Otherwise, you'll probably find him out walking the dog!
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Responsible for over 200 buying guides, a large part of his role is helping guitarists find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites, including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
Mike has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
Latest updates
20/05/26: The guide has had a new introduction added, and a brand new widget to replace the top picks section. The FAQs have been expanded to make them more useful, as has the glossary of key terms, which has had a total rewrite.
07/05/25: The guide has been updated to include star ratings for each of the six main products in the list and a section has been added explaining why you can trust MusicRadar when it comes to our product recommendations. In addition, a list of the four main authors for the guide has been included so you can get to know the faces behind the names.
